Improvement in machines for stripping and cutting sugar-cane for grinding



; 2 Sheets'-Sheet 1.

L. E. PORTER,

.Gane Gutter and Stripper.

No. 24,149. Patented My 24, 1859.

2 Sheets--Sheet 2. L. E. PORTER.

Cane Cutter'and Stripper.

No. 24,149. Patented May 24, 1859.

' UNITED STATES PATENT ()FFIcE.

LUTHER E. PORTER, OF LAKE MILLS, WISCONSIN.

IMPROVEMENT lN MACHlNES FOR STRIPPING AND CUTTING SUGAR-CANE FOR GRINDING.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 24,119, dated May 24, 1859.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, LUTHER E. PORTER, of Lake Mills, in the county of Jefferson and State of Wisconsin, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Hand Oane Stripper and Gutter; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full and clear description thereof, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, made to form a part of this specification.

My invention refers, first, to the construction and arrangement of a divided ring or clasp, and in combination therewith a series ofspring-cutters; second, in combination with the above, a jointed spring-handle and device for cutting the cane, described and represented as follows:

By reference to the accompanying drawings, Figure l is a perspective view, showing the cane-stripper with all its parts arranged for usein position to receive the cane-stalk. Fig. 2 is an elevation of the same, showing the divided clasp in the position at which the canestalk is liberated.

A is ajointed spring-handle, provided with the spring B for the purpose of throwing the handle open, and thereby opening the divided clasp,when the cane-stalk has been stripped of its leaves and it is desired to liberate the stalk.

The handle A is provided with the knivesc and d, the knife cbeingintended to cut or clip off the top of the stalk, and thus prepare it for stripping, and the knife d for cutting the stalk after being stripped.

H H is a dividedlclasp, formed with flanges it and pivoted to the handle A atjj, as represented. Through the flanges M' are passed the guide-rods It It, by means of which the two parts of .the clasp H H may be always fitted to each other when brought in contact, and secured in proper relation to each other when separated. To the clasp H H are attached the spring-cutters m m, which are formed to fit the clasp at the point of attachment and to converge toward and lap over each other at their" cutting-points. These cutting points 1 are made V-shaped and to lap over each other, in order that they may be adjusted to the size of the stock and always expose a cutting-edge to the leaves. The spring or elasticity of the cutters renders them self-adjusting to the size orinequalities of the stalk as they clasp and are forced down over it.

The operation of the cane stripper and cutter is as follows: The top of the cane-stalk will be first cut off by means of the knife 0. The operator will then relax his hold upon the bandle A, by means of which the divided clasp and spring-cutters will be opened. The stalk will then be grasped near its upper end and above its leaves by the clasp and cutters. The handle A will then be compressed so that the cutters will press closely around the stalk. The operator will then force the stripper quickly down the stalk, the leaves of which will beinstantly removed by means of the cutters m m. This being accomplished, the operator will again relax his grasp upon the handle A, remove the stripper from the stalk, and cut the same at any desirable distancefrom the ground by means of the hooked knife d. The cane is thus prepared for the mills.

What I claim as my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. The divided clasp H H i t k k, arranged substantially as herein described.

2. InIcombination with the above, the springcutters m m, all constructed, arranged, and operating substantially as herein described, for the purposes set forth.

In testimony of which invention I have here unto set my hand.

LUTHER E. PORTER.

Witnesses: I

DENNIs J. WHITE, WM. HEBARD. 

